Mark Clattenburg on Celtic’s Colby Donovan tackle clamps Rangers, Hearts and Hibs fan tears

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There is never a week that goes by when Celtic are not involved in some sort of refereeing drama and this week, it’s Colby Donovan’s turn for his tackle at Hibs.

The young Celtic defender was booked for a tackle on Hibs’ Jordan Obita in the first half of the Bhoys’ 2-1 win at Easter Road.

Match referee Nick Walsh brandished a yellow card for Donovan and after a check by VAR, the video referee agreed.

However, online howling by Rangers, Hibs and Hearts fans has been ongoing over the last 24 hours with many crying about how Celtic youngster Donovan should have been sent off for the challenge on the Easter Road man.

So we decided to contact Mark Clattenburg to get his opinion on the tackle and explain exactly why Donovan’s yellow card was justified.

• READ MORE: Martin O’Neill responds when asked if he would like to stay at Celtic after Wilfried Nancy joins

Mark Clattenburg vindicates Colby Donovan tackle in Celtic’s win at Hibs

A quick look on social media and Celtic fans will see the likes of Hibs, Rangers and Hearts fans all crying about how Celtic right-back Donovan stayed on the park.

And here, the former FIFA and Premier League referee exclusively tells 67 Hail Hail why the yellow card was the correct call.

Clattenburg said, “Celtic’s Colby Donovan is booked for a tackle on Jordan Obita.

“The referee made the correct decision with a yellow card as this was a late and reckless challenge which also stopped a promising attack.

“To meet the criteria of a red card, there needs to be brutality, force and malice and this tackle certainly does not meet that criteria.”

Colby Donovan’s sparkling season at Celtic

Donovan has had a meteoric rise at Celtic coming in from the B team into the Hoops’ starting XI.

With 12 appearances and 719 minutes under his belt, Donovan is showing signs that he is learning how to adapt to senior football, especially after his performance against Hearts.

The young full-back was very impressive in Celtic’s win at Feyenoord and after his performance at Hibs, Donovan is giving incoming boss Wilfried Nancy some food for thought.

With Alistair Johnston on his way back from injury, Donovan will have the perfect tutor at Celtic to help him learn and develop his skills further this season.